Friday, October 10, 2014

Apple Pumpkin Bundt Cake


Apples + Pumpkin + Cake

(Can you say delicious!?) 


It's been far too long since I last posted and I apologize! Who knew college would get this busy so quickly!? And no, I don't mean busy with naps, television, and the occasional exam or two. (Although a couple of naps have found their way into my schedule...). I'm the type of person who enjoys having plans and events. Yet, I was able to squeak in a weekend home for a very special occassion (and this very special cake!)  In searching for the perfect dessert for my grandmother's birthday, I found this recipe for Apple Pumpkin Bundt Cake and I had to make it! It was love at first site when I read the recipe...and love at first bite when I made it! Find the recipe here to try it for yourself: http://juliasalbum.com/2013/11/apple-pumpkin-bundt-cake/

Look at all that hot caramel poured on top!!
Words can't even begin to describe how moist and delicious this cake was, and making it was so easy! Plus, using only one cup of pumpkin puree gives the cake a settle orange color, while the apple and cinnamon flavors can still really shine. Drizzle some hot caramel on top and you've practically got yourself a caramel-dipped apple in cake form! (Not to mention you've got one poshed-up, delectable cake ready for any fall occasion!)

You can even see the chunks of delicious baked apples!
And fortunately, it was a huge hit for my grandmother's birthday!! Served next to a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt... it was hard to resist licking the plate and going back for more! (I mean, we have seconds during dinner...why not dessert?)

I just had to share this recipe with you all and let you know I'm still here! I'm always thinking of Posh Cuisine...dreaming of the kitchen...my apron, rubber spatula, and measuring cups at the ready. College is going well, though, and I'm thoroughly enjoying my classes. (I won't bore you with the details, but rest assured I'm keeping it posh here at school, too!)

So, this season (my favorite season), don't be afraid to experiment with fall flavors and make them your own! Bring on the apples, pumpkins, squash, and seasonings! Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on your pumpkin pie, or cook up some homemade applesauce. Add a little posh to every dish! And try this cake!! (You'll LOVE it!!)

With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Blueberry Crumb Bars

Blueberry Crumb Bars

For those freshly picked berries just waiting to be poshed!

Can you think of a better way to end summer vacation than with a family BBQ, complete with smoked brisket, ribs, beans, homemade sides, and delectable blueberry crumb bars? My cousin was nice enough to surprise us with pounds (and I mean pounds) of freshly picked blueberries. I realize there's a ton of recipes one can make with blueberries (and trust me, we have enough berries to try plenty!), yet something about classic blueberry crumb bars...I couldn't resist!

Recipe from Brown Eyed Baker

Juicy blueberries, layered between flaky, buttery dough... it's no wonder they were such a hit! I found the recipe on Pinterest (big surprise, right?) and you can find it by clicking here or visiting www.browneyedbaker.com/blueberry-crumb-bars-recipe/. The ingredients are simple, no-fuss required! And combined, they make this wonderful dessert! (or snack, or breakfast? There's berries in them, after all!)

The recipe was also wicked easy.  As a note, I lined my 13x9" pan with parchment paper. This way, the entire batch could easily slide out of the pan and be cut. Parchment paper works great for baking any type of bars, fudge, cookies, you name it! (That's my pitch for parchment paper, by the way.) 
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal
How could this recipe be poshed? (Although the recipe on it's own is pretty dang delicious!) But if you feel like being creative, try using a raspberry filling, or spread a can of lemon pie filling on the bottom layer of dough before topping it with the blueberries and crumb. Another option: make the bottom dough thicker by using all the batter, then sprinkle an oat-crumb topping over the blueberries. You could even make individual crumb pies! Let the kitchen move you, and your taste be your guide. I'm sure it will be delicious!

Posh Update:

Now, you may have noticed my little 'blurb' under the "Posh Cuisine" logo. I am back at school, getting ready for another exciting year! I will keep posting, for I have lots to share! Plus, I care about helping you find and develop your posh in the kitchen (while having some fun!) Posh is not something one just 'perfects' in a summer. It takes time, practice, and dedication (plus a stocked pantry and big appetite never hurt). It may take more time in between posts and recipes, that's all! 

Try out this recipe (as I highly recommend you do), or browse through the many I've posted this summer. And keep checking in for updates, posts, and more! 
With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Classic Coffee Cake

Just Add Posh!


I thought after making (and eating) so much wedding cake lately, the last thing I'd be making is another cake! However, this one is a bit different... (I know, I know. Cake it cake. But this cake! This one!) This is a classic sour cream coffee cake, from a classic recipe book, and it's sure to fit in your collection!

Sour Cream Coffee Cake (Pecans & Cinnamon Sugar on top!)

Sometimes we all need to go back to the basics when it comes to recipes like this. Too often we see the already "poshed-up" versions. (Like the Rhubarb-Lemon Coffee Cake I made back in June. Click here to see because it's delicious! Talk about the perfect summer brunch!) Anyways, this recipe came from "Mariam B. Loo's Fresh from the Oven Breads" cookbook - a well used and loved staple in our kitchen!


This recipe is a terrific base for any type of coffee cake. "Base?" you may ask... With this simple recipe and its elegant taste, the cake lends itself to all sorts of posh! I made it just as the recipe directed (sometimes nothing beats a classic), and I encourage you to try it this way as well. Then take it to the next level! (Do note, the butter should be softened before creaming it with the sugar - just a tip!) Feel free to be creative by adding a fruit layer in the middle, or making coffee cake cupcakes, or even using your favorite crumb and icing topping! Don't like pecans? Try walnuts, or even no nuts!

1/2 the batter, then a layer of 'posh' and repeat!
With this simple recipe, you can really test your posh skills and make it your own. Impress your brunch mates with a new, all-you, recipe! This cake, even with no added posh, is a favorite in my house. Imagine what a difference a little posh can make!

As a fair warning, any leftovers of this cake don't last long... It's just too easy to cut off another piece, or have "one more bite." Make it in your home and see what I mean!

With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Monday, August 18, 2014

Wedding Cake

I am so pleased to announce Posh Cuisine's first wedding cake was a success! After months of planning, weeks of preparation, last weekend's trial run (well worth the effort), and crunch-time decorating, this wedding cake was a huge hit at my uncle's wedding!


This cake was no easy feat, let me tell you. But I just love weddings!! Everything about them! I really wanted this cake to be special, so I made sure to do my research. There's a lot to making a wedding cake! I held my breath up until it was not only delivered, but sitting on the table in the reception hall. I was so nervous!

All this work was totally worth it. Both the ceremony and the reception were beautiful - wonderfully done! And I'm so happy to welcome my new aunt and cousins into the family! So, with this cake as my gift to my uncle and (new) aunt, may your marriage be filled with happiness and love. And let there be cake!

With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Crisp Chocolate Chip Cookies

A Posh Cuisine Update & Cookie Jar Favorite

UPDATE: First, I have to say I'm so sorry for not posting a lot! This past week has been super busy and while I know that's no excuse, you need to know how much I think of you, my readers! And I'd love to show you what I've been doing...


This was my first wedding cake attempt because...my uncle is getting married on Saturday! And I'm making the cake!! (Eeeep! Are you as excited as me!?) I know I should have told you sooner, but with all the baking and recipe testing going on this summer, it's been crazy!  I've been doing so much research towards making a wedding cake, in addition to finding the pans and equipment (there's a lot to it!). And since I was going to a family BBQ today, I thought it'd be a great time to put my research to the test and make a smaller version of the cake. (With a theme to match this summer party, of course!)

Wedding Cake #1
It was such a huge hit! I don't even know where to begin! The flavor, texture, frosting - everything! This is no cardboard cake with frosting. If Posh Cuisine is going to make a cake, it's gotta be pretty and delicious! (That's how true posh is measured.) And this cake has got some posh, let me tell you!

But now, let's get back on topic. What's this about a "cookie jar favorite" in the title?
Click here for the recipe!
Want a chocolate chip cookie which melts in your mouth? Doesn't get hard-as-a-rock in the cookie jar? Holds up to freezer storage and still tastes fresh? Then look no further! The recipe I am about to share is a favorite of mine (and I'm pretty picky when it comes to cookies). It's always a huge hit with the family, at parties, as gifts, with my friends at school - you name it! So thank you again Taste of Home, because this recipe for Crisp Chocolate Chip Cookies is fantastic! And I must warn you - not only will these cookies remain airy and melt in your mouth, they're addicting, too!

I follow the recipe on this one, yet I always use crisp rice cereal (never cornflakes) and quick-cooking oats (never regular). I also always use Hershey's Special Dark chocolate chips in nearly all my cookie recipes. They're wonderful chips for both melting and baking (and snacking...). As seen in the image above, I always flatten these cookies just a tad before baking for a smoother-topped cookie. The recipe yields about 6 dozen (using a large cookie scoop), so I highly recommend freezing some!


I actually prefer them frozen...they're just wonderful! Store them in plastic freezer bags for months - they'll stay tasting fresh and delicious! This is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe I like to make now, and trust me, I've made it a lot! For some reason, they just don't last long in my house (or at school with my friends). This recipe is amazing and I just know you'll love them! Click here or visit www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/crisp-chocolate-chip-cookies for the recipe. And keep it posh, people!

With love (for food),
Ellen
-A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Friday, August 1, 2014

Cobb Salad

Cobb (Posh) Salad

Not Your Ordinary Salad!


I'm a salad girl. I confess! As much as I'd love to tell you I'm your solid, meat-and-potatoes girl with a heart for cheesy side dishes, my heart yearns for that fresh crunch of lettuce under a sweet vinaigrette. Don't get me wrong though! I love a good chicken pot pie or fall-off-the-bone ribs. Yet, every now and then, I want a meal to freshen up my palate, as I step back from all the heavy cooking. So, I give you this Cobb Salad, with tons of posh and so many ways you can make it your own! In fact, I'm calling it Cobb (Posh) Salad. Give it a chance! (You might just like this whole 'salad' thing!)

There are so many ways you can make Cobb Salad (or most salads, for that matter). This is how I did it. You do it the way you want! I customized each plate for each person (all three of us - Mom, Dad, and me!) Extra tomatoes on one, bacon on two, avocado on all three, you get the idea! But talk about fun to make! It's like an entire plate of posh! How you arrange the veggies, what type of dressing, chilling the plates, serving the eggs warm, grilling the corn etc etc etc! We should really just omit the "Cobb" and call it "Posh Salad."

Each topping can be poshed as well. For example, the corn (the only thing not individually pictured below, of course) was from a partial bag of frozen corn. I defrosted it in the microwave, and threw it in a cast iron skillet. Then, cook until it browns, season with garlic powder and pepper, and viola! Perfectly poshed corn to top this Cobb (Posh) Salad. Think of all the creative ways you can posh the other toppings!


The dressing is another very important salad component. I love this brand called Annie's. (Check out annies.com to see all the great products!) It's natural, organic, and delicious! This was the the first time I tried the Annie's brand salad dressing and it was amazing! A good Cobb (Posh) Salad needs a dressing which will allow the flavors of the toppings to really shine, just like this Fat Free Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. It wasn't too sweet and had just enough tang to lightly flavor the entire dish.

So what are you waiting for!? Posh up some fun in the kitchen and impress your dinner guests with customized Cobb (Posh) Salads! 
With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Great recipe alert!! 

Prepare yourself for the flavors of the season with this Lemon Blueberry Bread!


After picking a couple pints of fresh blueberries, some just had to be made into lemon blueberry bread! (But not just any lemon blueberry bread. This recipe, found here, is fantastic!)


The bread took less than 30 minutes to whip together (Just don't really whip it! It's very important to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet and use great care when adding the blueberries. This way the bread stays light and airy.) Also, since the recipe only calls for a little lemon, I'd recommend adding some extra zest and freshly squeezed juice for that burst of lemon flavor! (Don't be afraid to add a bit of posh right into the batter!)

The recipe also calls for a glaze, yet I found with some extra blueberries and a sprinkle of sugar on top (more posh!) it was just enough! (The extra lemon juice in the batter really helps, too.)

So, if you're up for a quick and easy bread, with fresh summer flavors - this is the one! It stays moist, light, and delicious. It's great for brunch or even dessert! (Or both...like with whipped cream and extra blueberries on the side...) And you can add the icing, or sprinkle your own posh on top. Maybe you want to try it with raspberries in place of the blueberries? This bread would be excellent paired with a cream cheese filling or frosting, too. There are so many ways you can make this your own! Grab your apron and try it for yourself!

'Posh' is Spreading...

Also, quick update! Last night my dad was in charge of dinner, and since I wasn't allowed to snoop around the kitchen or guess what he was making, I was left only with the beautiful aroma drifting through the house of this homemade beef stroganoff. With its white wine and fresh mushrooms, topped with nonfat Greek yogurt (no, not sour cream!) and dried parsley flakes, each plate was a masterpiece and tasted delicious! He really put the 'posh' on this dish and it was amazing! So well done, Dad!


With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Friday, July 18, 2014

"Everything-is-better-with-posh" Bagels

Posh...on a bagel?

Bagels. You may think of cream cheese, peanut butter, or maybe even salmon, but posh? Posh on a bagel, too?

Let's talk about posh for a minute. What is 'posh' exactly? I toss around the term a lot, and it's become a major part of my life. I try to put a little bit of 'posh' in everything I do, make, even the way I dress! It's fun! But, what exactly is it?

In short, it's a lot of things. So, here's ONE type of 'posh,' or at least one way of looking at it.

I'll put it into a food reference so we can all understand it a little better. Recall one of my first posts "Bagels - A beautiful and delicious transformation" (don't remember? click here for a refresher!). Well, the other day I found myself in a creative mood (and craving bagels). So, I decided to test my bagel making and posh skills with this wonderful recipe for Honey Whole Wheat Bagels, "everything" style!

I have to ask - why take the time to make something, following a recipe, and merely leave it at that? Why not be a little creative and add a little posh? Posh, in this case, is the creative spin you can put on your dish. Whether it's a topping, a sprinkle or garnish, or an entirely new ingredient - posh makes recipes special. It's a way to put yourself into each dish!                                                                                                                                       For example, I could have made this bagel recipe as I've done before, and leave them as delicious honey whole wheat bagels. OR I could make an "everything" topping and put a creative spin on this treat. (I chose the latter.) And it turned out fantastic! Never be afraid to try something new, or show a little of yourself in your dish. Sure, I've had recipes and ideas which don't work (like using raisins as a topping and not realizing they burn in a 450 degree oven, then tasting them...tastes like burned sugar.) But that's part of the fun! You'll never know if you don't try. And who knows? Maybe you'll find something you really like by adding that extra pinch, or sprinkle on top.

I definitely recommend taking the time to make these bagels. They're super fun, and really easy! Enjoy each moment as you shape the dough, let it rise, and add the posh. (Then toast and smear them with cream cheese as soon as possible, even if it means you're having bagels for dinner!) Take a creative spin on your next dish and let me know how it works! (And trust me, this won't be the last time you hear about this 'posh' business from me!)
With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Peanut Butter Banana (Chocolate Chip) Muffins

Muffins - Bakery Style (and healthy!)

I was in the mood for muffins...but not just any muffins! You see, I love muffins and muffin-shaped foods - I could eat muffins every day and love it! Yet, sometimes my muffin recipes end up with flat tops, or they're too heavy, and it breaks my heart. So, I've been doing some research...

In searching for how bakeries get that big, puffy, delicious muffin top, I began to notice how some recipes called for a baking temperature of 425 degrees, before lowering it to 350 degrees to continue baking. Intrigued, I had to try it. And viola! This recipe, from Sally's Baking Addiction, tested just that and was a huge success!


Almost full 
I found the recipe on Pinterest (where else?) and within minutes I was in the kitchen. And my grandmother's "Ellen is baking something" sensation must have been tingling because she stopped by the house just in time to try one! (And may I say, they totally passed inspection.)

Baking the muffins at 425 degrees for the first 5 minutes made such a difference, for it gave them a chance to puff up on the top, then continue baking after lowering the oven to 350 degrees. I also followed the instructions when filling the muffin pan, and put the batter nearly to the top of each liner (this recipe made 12 wonderful sized muffins.)
Now, for the taste - delicious! The chocolate chips are optional, but something about peanut butter, honey, and chocolate just makes a girl happy. I added a handful of mini dark chocolate chips into the batter, and sprinkled some on top before baking. (That's what I call posh!) Not to mention, these muffins are healthy! Healthy with everyday items! I'm all for good-for-you meals/snacks and these were perfect! Made with whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, no butter, no oil - it's a muffin good enough for breakfast or a mid-day snack! (or both...and maybe lunch, too) I know you'll just love them! So, click here for the recipe, preheat your ovens to 425, get your ingredients out, and let your posh shine!

With love (for food),
Ellen

--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Best Sugar Cookie Recipe EVER!

World's Best Sugar Cookies

(And I mean the "best")

I have found the most amazing recipe for sugar cookies WITH royal icing! Look no further for a sugar cookie which melts in your mouth, yet stands the test of rolling, cutting, and being iced. Even without the icing, and merely baked up as a drop cookie - these. are. the. best. They're not too sweet. They have just enough lemon flavor. And they're wonderful. So thank you to Butter, with a Side of Bread for this amazing recipe and step by step instructions!

These cookies were such a big hit, my family is still raving about them! To quote my dear grandmother (who doesn't really eat sugar cookies as rule), these were "absolutely the best I've ever had." Along with that, I heard her say they were "so light!" and "the world's best sugar cookies!" (Now you know they're good!) I was touched. It was such an honor! I really put myself into these cookies, and took the time to roll, cut, bake, frost, and decorate each one. And trust me, these cookies certainly took time, but were totally worth every sweet, lemony bite. 

Plus, this recipe was super easy to follow. I made the cookies up one day (the hottest and most humid day of the week, of course). The next day I made the royal icing (a great recipe, too - I used the meringue powder version) and put it into small squeeze bottles with caps. This site does a great job explaining how to frost the cookies, and above I showed my step-by-step process. (As a note, don't be afraid to add a little water to the icing if it becomes too thick. Adding a couple drops at a time and stirring well can make a huge difference.) 


In total, I spent about 4 hours frosting, and there were a lot of cookies! So, this would be a great recipe to make with friends or family. Click here to see the recipe (and visit an awesome site). Plus, there's so many ways you can make this recipe your own by adding some posh! Choose your colors, shapes, decorations, perhaps a theme, or roll the cookies into balls, dip in sugar, and bake as classic sugar cookies. Whatever you choose, they will be delicious - I just know it. And your family, too, will fall in love with these light, soft, hint-of-lemon sugar cookies! (Mine did!)
With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Italian Sage Meatloaf

Home Style Meatloaf

Ready to add some 'posh' to that average meatloaf recipe? Well, I've been working on this recipe for homemade meatloaf for years! It's become a family favorite, a classic even! And it's often requested by hungry parents and relatives alike. So, after measuring and tweaking and testing (and eating lots of meatloaf), I'm ready to share a real Posh Cuisine creation! (And did I mention this doubles as a great meatball recipe?)

I'm not even kidding when I say meatloaf makes the list of ultimate comfort foods. A plate of mashed potatoes with a slice of meatloaf on top - my mouth is already watering... PLUS leftover meatloaf makes terrific sandwiches, additions to soup, or cut up and used as makeshift meatballs! The possibilities are endless with this Italian Sage Meatloaf recipe!


Also, this recipe is super easy! Once it's all mixed up and in the oven, you have plenty of time to go about the rest of your business. (Like making the mashed potatoes and drooling over the wonderful smell in your kitchen.) It all starts with soaking some bread (leftover biscuits, sliced bread - all works fine!) while you get the rest of the ingredients in the bowl. Next, just mix it all together! I find the best way, honestly, is to dig your paws right in and mix it by hand. This way all the spices and goodies are well incorporated. Then, pop it in an ungreased loaf pan and you're well on your way to a wonderful meal! 


As a note, meatloaf can take a while to bake depending on the size of the loaf pan (and I used a pretty small loaf pan so mine took extra time, which, of course, required more excruciating patience on my end). After about 45 minutes in the oven (less if you're making mini meatloaves), it's time to add the sauce! I find it's great with ketchup or a favorite BBQ sauce - and served with extra on the side.
Be sure to let it bake until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees, then take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes - this makes it much easier to slice and enjoy! And trust me, you will enjoy it!

And, as always, feel free to posh it up as you please! Try your favorite sauce on top, throw in some fresh sage, or make mini loaves just for fun! Find a printable recipe for this Posh Cuisine creation here and start cooking! 

With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Friday, June 27, 2014

Rhubarb-Lemon Coffee Cake

Coffee cake just got even more delicious!

It's rhubarb season!! This beautiful green and red stalk with a mix of sweet and bitter makes for delectable dishes, such as in pies, jams, sauces, and this coffee cake. This cake, a recipe by Taste of Home, is fantastic!! (I'm just gonna go ahead and say it's the best coffee cake I've ever had. Period.)

It was perfect for a mid-morning brunch on our porch, as we enjoyed the beautiful weather and time with family. Making it was also a breeze! Honestly, the most time consuming part was peeling and chopping the rhubarb nice and small (peeling it isn't necessary, but it will ensure the rhubarb becomes soft and tender as the cake bakes).

Variation Ideas: 
Don't have any rhubarb? No worries! The lemon coffee cake itself, even without the filling was so moist and wonderful! Plus, I'm sure it'd be great filled with lemon pie filling, or any fruit of your choice. Just layer it in where the rhubarb would go!

As another variation - using your favorite crumb topping (say, with oats or granola) would also be delicious! There are many ways you can make this delicious coffee cake your own!


Good News:
Wanna know the best part (besides the taste)? It's healthy! (What!?) I know, that "H" word really packs a lot in today's society - but it's true! I got this recipe from my healthy cookbook by Taste of Home. Now, that doesn't mean you should just devour the entire cake, (although that's what we did...) but you can rest easy knowing your serving is not loaded with a ton of fat and bad calories. (Phew!)




You. Need. To. Try. It! What more can I say?! Even the leftovers (if there are any, that is) stay wonderful - I definitely know I'll be making it again soon! (Maybe even in individual cupcake or mini-loaf pans, just for fun...)

I'm serious. You will love the refreshing lemon and sweet rhubarb flavor in every bite - it's like summer in cake form! And there's so many ways you can posh this! Mix up the filling, use an oat or granola topping, maybe sprinkle extra lemon zest on top, or whatever! Find the recipe here and make it yours.


With love (for food),
Ellen

 --A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

 

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Campfire Baked Potato

Posh Cuisine: Outdoor Style!

Mid-70s during the day, in the '40s at night - now that's good camping weather! Yes, I was a little chilly at times... (it can be in the '80s and I'll be cold.) However, with a roaring campfire, and these campfire baked potatoes (and a bag of marshmallows, of course), my Daddy-Daughter camping trip this past weekend was wonderful! Not only did I learn some valuable camping skills, manage to keep my feet dry as I crossed flowing rivers and brooks, and catch up on some valuable bonding time with my favorite Daddy - I was also able to bring the posh outdoors! And with some planning ahead, you too can put the posh in campfire cooking!

Now, when it comes to outdoor cooking, my Daddy is a pro. If you can make it indoors, he can make it outdoors. (Needless to say, I ate very well during this camping trip.) And we were really roughing it, too. I made pancakes with no spatula for Saturday's breakfast and ate my dinner that night right out of the pan! (Tough times, I'll tell ya.)

Now, let me tell you about these potatoes! We used Yukon Gold potatoes (they have an awesome buttery taste and make delicious mashed potatoes). We also planned and prepared our meals in advance (a great suggestion for you future campers) and stored everything in a cooler. And, by making this dish in the foil so it was all ready to go, dinner was one less thing to worry about as we hiked, gathered wood, and enjoyed the fresh mountain air.

Now, where's the posh? Adding posh is no challenge when planning ahead. Below you'll see how we set up this potato dish and ways to incorporate your own special posh before heading into the wilderness.

This is where the dish can become whatever you want! We kept it simple by adding a dash of Tuscan seasoning mix, and wrapped it up. *Note: Wrap it in foil twice! The outer foil can get charred and blackened during the baking process, while the potato and first layer of foil stay clean and wonderful!





Once it's all 'poshed' up to your liking and you're ready to eat, it's time to make the fire! That means gathering firewood... When you think you have enough wood - go get more. THEN it should be enough. Next, (carefully) make the fire and once it's going strong, just tuck the foiled potatoes onto the side of the flame. You don't want them directly in the fire (unless you want burned-to-a-crisp baked potato). The potatoes should be perfectly cooked after about 40 minutes (we left ours in a little longer and they were so soft and delicious). Now, what if you didn't pack any tongs/pickups!? How will you ever get them out of the fire!? This is where handmade tongs made out of a tree branch become very useful (bottom center picture). Now that's posh!

See? With some simple planning ahead and preparation, you too can bring the posh outdoors! And may I say, it is delicious and such a comfort at the end of a busy, camping-packed day! What would you add to your campfire baked potato dish?? How would you 'posh' it up???

With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--

Friday, June 20, 2014

Cupcake 'Cake' Father's Day Style

Lawn Mower Cupcake 'Cake'

Let me start by saying, I absolutely LOVE my dad! ("Daddy" to me.) So, what better way to show my love and appreciation for him than a cupcake CAKE with tons of posh on Father's Day!? I had so much fun making this cake, and it was the perfect occasion! Now, I can't wait to show you how I did it!
For starters, this was my first creation in my new 'office!' I transformed part of our basement into a posh work station and this 'cake' was baked, frosted, and poshed in cool comfort. Now, there are so many things you can do with cupcakes - and so much posh potential! Of course, this cake only represents one method. I'll go through this cake step-by-step, but I encourage you to try your own flavors and designs! Also, this 'cake' is a great (and much easier) way to serve cupcakes! (Just saying...)

Cupcake Making
STEP 1: You may be thinking "make the cupcakes, duh," but I recommend starting with a plan. What flavor cupcakes will you make? (Remember, it has to taste just as good as it looks!) What kind of frosting? How will you decorate it? Plan it! This cake was inspired by our yard. My dad was mowing the lawn just that morning, and removed our "dandelion farm" (as my mom calls the pretty yellow weeds). Thus, I knew I had to go with this theme!

STEP 2: Now that you have a plan, you can make the cupcakes! My dad likes yellow cake, and in my refusal to make a boxed cake mix for this occasion, I used a Taste of Home Yellow Layer Cake  recipe. It's a fantastic recipe, too! The cupcakes are so moist, and packed with flavor. This recipe makes 24 normal sized cupcakes (and my 'cake' only needed 15, so viola!) Plus, they baked up in 10 minutes using my Baby Cakes Cupcake Maker (more about this device in my Salad & Cupcakes post).


STEP 3: Once the cupcakes are baked and cooled, it's time to make the frosting and prepare the posh! I made up a simple vanilla butter cream frosting recipe and dyed it green (although you could use whatever frosting recipe you like!) Then, in my serving tray, I packed in the cupcakes so they were nice and snug, and frosted it like one big cake.

Get the cupcakes nice and snug!
STEP 4: The green frosting base represents the "cut grass." Next, I assembled the lawnmower. All I needed was half a chocolate bar, 4 M&Ms, 2 tooth picks, a mini candy bar, and melted chocolate. (Keep in mind, there are many ways to build this with candy, so be creative!) For this method, start by attaching the 'wheels' (M&Ms) to the bottom of the chocolate bar with a little melted chocolate. Once the chocolate has set, place the structure on the cake and attach your 'engine' (mini candy bar) with more melted chocolate to hold it in place. Finally, dip the toothpicks in chocolate and make them the handles. (It's pretty easy, don't worry!)

STEP 5: Next - and my mom had fun with this part - put shredded coconut and green food coloring together in a Ziploc bag, and shake like crazy! Coat the coconut with as much coloring as needed until it reaches a nice 'grass' color. And if you're my mom, keep shaking it and shaking it, try hitting it on the counter a few times, and don't forget to laugh the entire time... Finally, once the coconut is green, dizzy and definitely dead, sprinkle it on half of the cake to represent the uncut grass. 

STEP 6: Using dark chocolate crumbs and flower sprinkles, I made small flower beds in the uncut grass, and sprinkled the yellow flowers as dandelions. That's all there is to it! See it broken down, below.

Each step, and every creative touch is well worth it for this cake! The average cupcake is practically a blank canvas just waiting to be poshed! Still wondering exactly what 'posh' is? Well, in this case, it's the extra effort put into making this cake special. It's taking the time to really put yourself into the dish, as well. It's having fun and being creative! (Never forget the flavor, though. Make your posh match the wonderful flavor in each dish!) And I have to say, every ounce of effort was well worth it for my daddy. For all the things he does for me, this was the least I could do to show him how much I love him! This one's for you, Daddy!

With love (for food),
Ellen
--A dash of posh can make all the difference in your next dish!--